joygerm

We will be spending 6 nights, 5 full days in Prague in October with a 14 month old. Our current plan is to do 2 day trips (Terezin & Kutna Hora) and then spend 3 days in Prague seeing th following sites: Prague Castle, Petrin Hill, Old Town & Astronomical Clock, Prague Zoo, Dvorak Museum, Jewish Quarter. We're redeeming Hilton points for a free stay at the Prague Hilton Old Town and will go back there in the afternoons to let the baby nap. I'm hoping the hotel can arrange for a babysitter one or two evenings so my husband and I can go our in the evening (maybe the symphony or opera). I would appreciate feedback as to whether this seems realistic (particularly if you've done the trip with a small child). Thanks so much!

Christina

It seems do-able, in general, but I haven't been three with a baby so don't know about that. How do you plan to get around from the Hilton? It's not exactly in the middle of Old Town, if that's what you were thinking, it's kind of an awkward location, I think. Free is free, I'm sure the hotel is comfortable, but it's not that central and is along a very big major street near the river. I'm not sure how far to the closest metro stop (which is Florenc)--not too bad, but at least several blocks (along that big main road).

Maybe you aren't planning on taking the metro around town, especially with a baby, though. A lot of hotels work with private drivers and that is reasonable in cost in Prague (let your hotel arrange it).

Are you really interested in Dvorak? I just wondered because I am so I went to that museum, but it was actually a bit hard to find and not in an area you are likely to be for any other reason, so if you have to drop something, I'd suggest that unless you idolize him. It wasn't really as nice as many composer museums I've been to, as the house is not arranged as when he lived there. It's nice to see where he lived (nice digs, actually), and there are some manuscripts and photos on display.

YOur schedule seems a bit packed with a baby, that's all I'm thinking, with two day trips and all these other things, some which are not together.

joygerm

Thanks for your reply, Christina. Might you be thinking of the other Hilton hotel? The hotel where we're staying was a Renaissance up until last fall and is across from the Namesti Republiky metro stop. I know that it is not in the middle of Old Town, but it didn't look like a bad walk.

My husband is a musician and was interested in the Dvorak museum, but we may drop that since it doesn't sound like it was a great experience for you.

I really appreciate your feedback!

Christina

oh, you are right, I was thinking of the main Hilton near the river. I know where the Renaissance is (was) and that is a very good location and convenient, you are right.

I wouldn't go to the Dvorak Museum just because one is a musician, but only if you are really interested in him and his music. I play his music (on the piano) and like Czech and Hungarian composers a lot, so it was of more interest to me. In fact, I have a recital in a couple weeks playing Dvorak, Bartok and Suk using some music I bought there! That is one tip, there is a good music shop not far from that hotel where you can get E European composer sheet music pretty cheap that one has trouble finding in the US. It's a small shop. It's at the corner of Hastalska and Rybna. For a musical connection, you can always go to the Smetana museum on the river, which is more central and well-known. It has a nice terrace to view the river, also, and Smetana is important in the history of Prague. I just don't care about Smetana's music that much, but do like Dvorak a lot.

amp322

The Dvorak Museum is closer to the IP Pavlova metro stop. Not the most interesting, as Christina said, but they do sell some sheet music & have nice displays. Of greater interest might be the Mozart museum at Bertramka (also out of the way, lol!) but they have lots of concerts, and the museum is usually open before them, so you can look around. Even better is Vysehrad Cemetery, where you can see all the tombstones of great Czechs - Dvorak, Smetana, etc.

What does your husband play? If you want to see opera in a beautiful hall, see what's playing at the State Opera (there is a restaurant behind it that is supposed to be really good).

joygerm

Thanks, amp322. I was thinking about adding Vysehrad to our itinerary so that we can combine a visit to the cemetery with some play time in the park for our daughter.
I was also considering the opera at the National Theatre - would you recommend the State Opera instead? My husband is a percussionist and a big Dvorak fan so I'm waffling back and forth as to whether or not we should include the museum with our limited time.
Any thoughts on the Prague Symphony Orchestra versus the Czech Philharmonic?

amp322

Czech Phil is THE best there. National Theater is very nice, as well. The State Theater is architecturally amazing inside. National is more impressive from outside. Both put on decent operas. Just depends on what is playing there at the time, and what you like. The supertitles may be in German, or Czech, or English. Something to ask ahead of time, if you are going to rely on that for translation.

The Estates Theater is cool, also, but Don Giovanni plays there almost 24/7, so not sure what will be there in the main season, but that would be the one closest to your hotel.

There are some cool Jazz clubs, too, although I've mainly heard some lame standards most of the time I've been. One time I lucked out, and Branford Marsalis was in town!

sglw

Hi! My girl was 18 months the first time we took her to Italy. A good stroller is your best friend, We were able to walk around a lot while she slept and when she woke up we would give her snacks etc. Last time we went to Prague she was almost 5 and still the stroller was worth gold. We did pretty much all the sight seeing you are planning to do and in some places we placed the stroller with the sleeping child and took the picture.
Good luck.

joygerm

sglw - any problems taking your stroller on the trams or buses in Prague?

ldh00

Hi! We are going next month with an 11 month old. I will report back how it goes. I have to say you are more ambitious than what we are! We don't even plan any day trips and will have 6 full days (not including our arrival day). I plan on taking things slowly and only doing about 1/2 as much as I normally would w/o the baby.

I thought this was helpful re: strollers on public transport.
http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/...ue-car-travel/

Mucky

Hi joygerm !!
The biggest problem you will have with a toddler is getting around the city. There are hills, steps, cobbled streets none of which are kind to buggies I guess. Anyway it won't stop you getting around, but make it a little more difficult.

That aside you should have a great time.

You mention going to Terezin. Is your interest WW2?

If so you may find the story of the Heydrich assasination interesting.

The methodist church of St Cyril

http://www.prague.net/cyril-methodius-church

is well worth a visit as is the moving village of Lidice.

http://www.lidice-memorial.cz/from2001_en.aspx


As a parent you will be touched by the monument of the children there.
All the families friends and passers by of the Assasin parachutists ended up in Terezin en route to somewhere far worse so the whole story of the assasination of Heydrich could give a WW2 theme to your visit.

Oh and Terezin was pretty freezing cold and very bleak in Feb when I was there, I bet its not a great deal warmer in Oct so dress up warm.

Have fun
R

joygerm

Great link, ldh00 - thanks! I would love to hear about your trip when you get back (particularly the highs and lows of traveling with with the baby).

Mucky - We are definitely interested in WWII history. I appreciate the recommendations and weather advice.